BUSINESSES across Wiltshire have been warned to watch out for companies using unethical sales techniques.

Trading standards officers have been alerted to a series of techniques used to target businesses in the area.

Examples include firms sending bogus invoices for a web page registration service, implying there will be a loss of domain registration if £200 is not paid.

A publishing company has been ringing firms, speaking to junior staff, offering to send them reports.

When they arrive there is a limited time in which to return them, and this is often exceeded because staff have no time to read the small print. An invoice is then issued and the reports can cost £300.

Wiltshire Trading Standards said the companies are being monitored, but until there is infringement of criminal law no action will be possible.

Sue Wilkin, of Wiltshire County Council Trading Standards, said: "The best thing local businesses can do is to ensure a limited number of staff are authorised to make purchases on behalf of the business, and those not authorised are trained to make this statement as soon as a telesales call is received."